A 103-year-old North East war veteran has added a new name to her address book after news of her war work reached a WW2 history enthusiast in the United States.
Molly Gillon, from Wallsend, played a vital role during the war, following radar signals to detect enemy aircraft and obstacles and guiding RAF pilots safely to land in the dead of night during the wartime blackout.
And, when the RAF turned out to celebrate her 103rd birthday at Eastside Gardens care home, Wallsend, in January, the former radar operator’s story spread across the Atlantic to Melinda Heinritz, 3730 miles away in Wisconsin.
For almost five years, Melinda has been collecting and archiving the stories, signatures and recollections of those who served in WW2, to ensure they are not forgotten.
And she immediately put pen to paper and wrote to Molly at the care home, which is owned by Lifestyle Care, part of Malhotra Group Plc, which also owns the Prestwick Care portfolio of care homes.
Now, Molly’s story and autograph will join hundreds of others in Melinda’s archive, which she is preserving out of gratitude to those who served.
Molly – one of 14 children – was living with her family at Willington Square, Howdon when her brother Tom Conway – then serving in the RAF himself – was shot down and killed by enemy aircraft, aged just 23.
As soon as she turned 18, she, too, was called up to join the service and went on to be stationed at Morecambe, in Lancashire, Ouston, in County Durham and finally RAF Northstead in Northumberland, which is now HMP Acklington.
There, she worked deep underground, guiding pilots safely home amid enemy gunfire – and she was often the last link with home for those who did not return.
“Molly’s story really resonated with me,” said Melinda, “because it was the bravery, courage and spirit of her generation that paved the way for mine.
“They were trailblazers for my generation of women and we all owe those who fought so long and so hard for freedom an enormous debt of gratitude.”
And at Eastside Gardens care home, Melinda’s letter resonated not only with Molly, who was “surprised and delighted” to receive it, but with staff, who are now putting a pen pal programme in place.
“It’s so rare now to receive letters,” said activities coordinator Caroline Rowley, “and when we saw how much pleasure Melinda’s letter brought Molly we realised how much our other residents might enjoy receiving letters.”
The home is now inviting anyone who is keen to take part in the pen pal scheme to contact them, so they can be matched with an appropriate resident.
And, having made initial contact with Molly, Melinda plans to stay in touch, as she has with WW2 veterans across the globe.
“To have even a small connection with these marvellous people is just wonderful,” said Melinda. “And a real privilege.”
Anyone interested in writing to an Eastside Gardens resident is asked to email the home in the first instance at eastside.reception@lifestyle-care.co.uk